Shunt surgery of choice for treatment of hydrocephalus in children is?
**Core Concept**
Shunt surgery is a treatment option for hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, leading to increased intracranial pressure. The goal of shunt surgery is to divert excess CSF from the brain to another area of the body where it can be absorbed, thereby reducing intracranial pressure.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The shunt surgery of choice for children with hydrocephalus involves the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. This type of shunt consists of a catheter that is inserted into the ventricles of the brain to drain excess CSF, and a second catheter that is placed in the peritoneal cavity to absorb the CSF. The VP shunt is preferred in children because it allows for the growth of the brain and skull, as it does not require the placement of a permanent external ventricular drain. The VP shunt also allows for the continuous drainage of CSF, reducing the risk of complications associated with intermittent drainage.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt is typically used in adults or in cases where the peritoneal cavity is not accessible, such as in patients with ascites or peritoneal carcinomatosis.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the lumboperitoneal (LP) shunt is typically used in cases where the CSF pressure is elevated in the lumbar cistern, such as in patients with normal-pressure hydrocephalus.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the ventriculopleural shunt is a rare type of shunt that is used in cases where the peritoneal cavity is not accessible, such as in patients with severe ascites or peritoneal carcinomatosis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In children with hydrocephalus, the VP shunt is the preferred type of shunt because it allows for the growth of the brain and skull, reducing the risk of complications associated with permanent external ventricular drains.
**Correct Answer:** C. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt.